Robbery, carjack attempts foiled, police say

A Ford Heights man faces various charges today after police said he fired shots while trying to rob victims in separate events, then led officers on a foot chase along the Dan Ryan.

James Villareal, 24, of Ford Heights. (Chicago Police handout)

James Villareal, 24, of the southern suburb was charged today with attempted armed robbery, attempted vehicular hijacking, aggravated assault and three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, according to a Chicago Police news release.

An off-duty Chicago officer is credited with helping the capture, according to the events described in the release. Early today, just after midnight, Villareal tried to rob a man exiting a gas station near 8700 South State Street, police said.

The man did not give up any valuables, and Villareal fired a shot at him but missed before fleeing on foot, police said. The off-duty officer nearby heard the shots and saw the weapon, then flagged down a passing on-duty patrol car while monitoring Villareal's flight.

During the chase, Villareal ran across the Dan Ryan Expressway and tried to carjack vehicle, firing shots at the passing car but causing no injuries, police said. Still being chased by the off-duty officer and the first responding on-duty car, Villareal eventually was arrested while on the shoulder of the Dan Ryan as additional officers joined the pursuit.

Police said Villareal also was wanted on a warrant for failing to appear in court on a pending battery case.